In addition to the sedan that “zigs” the 1999 Catera lineup offered a Sport model option package that allowed the driver, as Cadillac claimed, “to zig with no fear.”
The Catera Sport sedan featured ZJ1 suspension that was setup for more aggressive handling and response.
The ZJ1 package included
stiffer front and rear springs
struts and shocks with increased compression and rebound performance
enhanced valving for the rear shocks
automatic leveling system
specific seven-spoke machined aluminum 16-inch wheels
Goodyear Eagle H-rated tires
The Catera Sport sedan’s exterior color choices were Ebony, Ivory, and Platinum while the interior was Ebony leather.
Other Sport model features included
next-generation dual front and side airbags
heated front and rear seats
Sport seats with extendable thigh supports
gunmetal interior trim
matte grille
rear spoiler
specific rocker moldings
Both the Catera and Catera Sport sedans were powered by the 3.0-liter dual overhead cam V-6 mated to the 4L30-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
This V-6 featured sodium-filled valves to help the engine run cooler as well as triple-tipped spark plugs and a high-efficiency oil cooler to help extend engine life.
The 1999 Catera was also the first Cadillac to meet low emissions vehicle (LEV) standards, significantly reducing smog-causing exhaust emissions.
To meet the standards, Catera featured new powertrain control computers, an electronic throttle control and wide-range heated exhaust oxygen sensors.
Catera also received a new fuel tank and evaporative emission system to more efficiently recover vapors during refueling.
ENGINE
Engine type
54-degree, dual overhead cam V-6
Block
Cast iron
Cylinder heads
aluminum
Displacement
181 cu. in (3.0 liters)
Bore & Stroke
3.40 x 3.40 in
Compression ratio
10.0:1
Brake horsepower
200 @ 6000 rpm
Torque
192 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel supply
Variable Dual-Ram induction system
CHASSIS
Wheelbase
107.4 in
Overall length
194.0 in
Height
56.3 in
Width
70.3 in
Front tread
59.3 in
Rear tread
59.8 in
Standard Tires
Goodyear Eagle RS-a P225/55HR16
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
4L30-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive
Steering
Recirculating ball, speed sensitive
Front suspension
MacPherson strut, lower control arms w/hydro bushing, coil spring, and stabilizer bar, gas preloaded dampers
Rear suspension
Multi-link, coil spring and stabilizer bar, gas preloaded dampers
Brakes
dual circuit front and rear disc w/Bosch anti-lock braking system